Florida Auto Dealer Insurance

Running a car dealership in Florida presents unique challenges and opportunities. From Jacksonville to Miami, auto dealers need robust insurance solutions to protect their valuable investments and ensure legal operations.

At Insured ASAP, we create tailored insurance packages that meet the specific needs of Florida auto dealers. Whether your inventory consists of luxury imports or affordable used cars, we are ready to assist you.

Licensing Requirements in Florida

In Florida, anyone who sells more than three vehicles within 12 months must obtain a state dealer license. That license can’t be issued without meeting state insurance requirements. Even small or newly formed dealerships must meet this requirement once they cross that threshold. Having the right policy in place early will keep your business compliant. It will also protect your investment from day one.

Mandatory Insurance Requirements in Florida

To get a dealer license, Florida requires every auto dealer to maintain specific insurance protections. These ensure both consumer safety and financial responsibility in the event of accidents, property damage, or other covered losses. At a minimum, you’ll need:

• A $25,000 surety bond
• At minimum, a $25,000 combined single limits liability (CSL) Garage Liability insurance policy that includes bodily injury and property damage
• $10,000 for personal injury protection (PIP)

These are the legal minimums to stay compliant. However, many dealerships find that basic limits don’t offer enough coverage for real-world operations. That’s why it’s important to understand how requirements differ by dealership type and when it makes sense to carry higher protection limits.

Recommended Coverage Limits

While Florida’s minimum Garage Liability limit is $25,000, that amount often falls short in real-world situations.

Most experienced dealers choose to carry at least $1,000,000 in combined single limit (CSL) coverage. This higher limit provides stronger financial protection in the event of a serious accident, property loss, or liability claim. This helps keep your business running even after a major incident.

Essential Insurance Coverage for Florida Auto Dealers

Auto dealer insurance protects your business from unexpected liabilities and financial losses. Here’s how Insured ASAP can cover your dealership.

Garage Liability Insurance in Florida:

Garage liability insurance is required by Florida law. It protects against claims of bodily injury or property damage arising from your operations. It is essential for maintaining a safe and compliant business environment.

Garage Keeper’s Liability Insurance

This insurance covers any damage to customer vehicles under your care. It is essential for dealerships that offer repair or maintenance services.

Dealer Open Lot Insurance:

Protect your valuable inventory from theft, vandalism, and Florida’s unpredictable weather. This coverage secures your financial assets and ensures business continuity despite external threats.

Be sure to keep your reported inventory values up to date. Most policies include a coinsurance clause. If your actual inventory value is higher than what’s listed on your policy, you could be underinsured after a major loss.

Do I Need Dealer Plate Insurance in Florida?

Dealer plate insurance is just another name for garage liability insurance. As mentioned earlier, this type of insurance is required by Florida law.

Enhanced Coverage Options

While Florida sets minimum insurance requirements for licensing, those minimums only cover the basics. Most dealerships face risks that go far beyond bodily injury or property damage. This is especially true as business operations expand, technology use grows, and more customer data is stored digitally.

To fully protect your dealership, consider these additional coverages that safeguard against common (and costly) exposures.

Cyber Liability Insurance:

This coverage safeguards your dealership from claims arising from data breaches and cyber-attacks.

Errors and Omissions Insurance (E&O):

Protect your business from claims related to administrative errors like title issues or warranty claims.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance:

Comply with Florida laws and protect your employees by providing medical benefits and wage replacement for work-related injuries or illnesses.

False Pretense Coverage:

Protect your business against losses from fraudulent acts by customers, ensuring your dealership’s financial stability.

Commercial Property Insurance:

Protects the physical assets of your dealership, including buildings, equipment, and inventory.

Adding these optional coverages can make the difference between a short disruption and a full-scale business loss. Insured ASAP can help you build a policy package that’s tailored to your dealership.

Why Choose Insured ASAP for Your Florida Auto Dealer Insurance?

Florida auto dealers face a unique mix of challenges. You need an insurance partner who understands that reality and delivers protection without the headaches. At Insured ASAP, our goal is simple. We want our customers to get comprehensive coverage quickly and easily. We achieve that by focusing on what matters most to dealers like you:

Competitive Rates:

As an independent agency, we work with multiple top-rated insurance carriers. This will allow you to compare options to find the ideal balance of cost and coverage.

Fast, Reliable Service:

Need proof of insurance to finalize your dealer license? We provide instant quotes and same-day certificates, so you can stay compliant and keep business moving.

Customer-First Approach:

We don’t represent one company. We represent you. That independence allows us to tailor policies around your specific operations, whether you run a single used-car lot or a multi-location franchise.

For years, we’ve helped Florida dealers stay protected, compliant, and confident for years.

Request a Free Quote Today

Don’t leave your dealership’s future to chance. Contact Insured ASAP today to secure robust auto dealer insurance in Florida. We guide you through the intricacies of the insurance industry and help you obtain cost-effective solutions.

Call us at (800) 641-7488 for a personalized quote. Experience the peace of mind that comes with being fully insured.

For more information on Florida auto dealers and dealership licensing, visit:
https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/dealers-installers-manufacturers-distributors-importers/